Beacon Down on the map

Location in East SussexBeacon Down sits where the marker shows within the county.

15,125
Population
6,803
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£56,039
Avg. household income
1,039
Businesses
155
People per km²
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About Beacon Down

Beacon Down is a small settlement located in East Sussex, within the TN21 postcode area. It lies on the southern edge of the South Downs, offering views across the surrounding countryside. The area is primarily rural, with open fields and scattered homes, and is known for its proximity to the South Downs National Park. The name 'Beacon Down' reflects its historical significance as a site where beacons were once used to signal across the landscape. The village is quiet and peaceful, with limited amenities, making it a quiet retreat for those seeking a rural lifestyle. It is accessible by road from nearby towns such as Eastbourne and Hailsham, and is popular with walkers and cyclists exploring the local trails. The landscape is characterised by chalk grassland and rolling hills, typical of the region.

School Ratings in Beacon Down

There are 22 schools in and around Beacon Down. Parkside Community Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Beacon Down

The average property price is £447K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £582K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Beacon Down

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Beacon Down, with 10 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Beacon Down

Beacon Down sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Beacon Down

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Beacon Down, the nearest being Greater Wealden Community Nursing (1.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,800 sales

Average Price £447K
£160 , £3.82M
Detached £582K 1,144
Semi £358K 740
Terraced £303K 313
Flat £176K 387

Household Income in Beacon Down ONS 2023

The average total household income in Beacon Down is approximately £56,039 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,729. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Beacon Down £56,039
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,729.

Businesses in Beacon Down ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,039 active businesses based in Beacon Down, around 69 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,039 Total businesses
69 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Beacon Down IMD 2025

Beacon Down sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 26%
2,413 Children (0-15) 16%
8,736 Working Age 58%
3,965 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.5% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.3% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Beacon Down 46 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Beacon Down records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 22
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Other Crime 4
Other Theft 3
Public Order 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Shoplifting 2
Local Policing
Sussex Cross-In-Hand, Waldron and Five Ashes
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Buxted Train Station 3.7 miles
Uckfield Train Station 4.9 miles
Crowborough Train Station 5.2 miles
Stonegate Train Station 7.5 miles
Eridge Train Station 8.2 miles
Wadhurst Train Station 8.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wealden
County East Sussex
Ward Heathfield North
Constituency Bexhill and Battle
Parish Heathfield and Waldron
Region South East

Home Ownership in Beacon Down

Of the 6,541 households in and around Beacon Down, 79% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 6% Private rented 14%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Beacon Down.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beacon Down

What is the population of Beacon Down?
Beacon Down has a population of approximately 15,125 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Beacon Down?
The average property in and around Beacon Down sold for about £446,595, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 28% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Beacon Down a deprived area?
Beacon Down sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Beacon Down?
Beacon Down is covered by the TN21 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Beacon Down?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Beacon Down, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Beacon Down?
The nearest railway station to Beacon Down is Buxted Train Station, about 3.7 miles away.